welcome Annie Brock, President and CEO of the Leader Transition

Institute (LTI). Annie shares her inspiring journey from an enlisted

soldier to a medevac helicopter pilot and military spouse, and how her

personal challenges led her to create LTI—a life-changing program that

helps service members, veterans, and military spouses transition

successfully to civilian life.

💼 Inside This Episode:

- Annie's military career and transition experiences

- Challenges faced by military spouses in employment and integration

- Overview of LTI's free, four-day intensive program on personal growth,

communication, and financial planning

- How LTI uses tools like DISC assessments, personal purpose statements,

and therapeutic painting sessions to support transitions

- Success stories from veterans and spouses who have transformed their

lives through LTI

🔗 Learn More & Get Involved:

📧 Contact Annie Brock: [email protected]

🌐 Leader Transition Institute: https://leadertransitioninstitute.org/

🖌️ Join LTI’s Quarterly Painting Sessions

📢 Action Items:

✔️ Share this episode to spread the word about LTI’s free programs!

✔️ Get involved with LTI’s supportive community.

🎧 Listen to More Episodes:

Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for stories and resources that empower veterans

and military families through life’s transitions.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring

conversations!

#vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranTransition #MilitarySpouseSupport #LeaderTransitionInstitute #VeteranEmpowerment #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranResources #MilitaryFamily #VeteranSupport #MilitaryCareerTransition

Blake Sudeck and Angel Lotti from the Ding King Training Institute! In

this insightful episode, Blake, the Vice President of Ding King, and

Angel, a U.S. Army veteran and proud graduate of the program, share how

the institute empowers transitioning service members and veterans to

build successful, sustainable careers in the automotive reconditioning

industry.
Blake highlights the family-oriented approach of Ding

King and its comprehensive hands-on training programs, including

paintless dent repair, auto detailing, window tinting, wheel and rim

repair, interior repair, and windshield repair. Angel opens up about his

own transition from military service, the challenges he faced during

the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he successfully utilized his VA

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits to complete

all 10 specialized courses at the institute.
Discover how the

Ding King Training Institute stands out with its job placement

guarantees, direct partnerships with leading companies like Fleet

Reconditioning Services, and a supportive network that helps veterans

start their own businesses or secure stable employment. Blake and Angel

also dive into exciting future plans to expand Ding King's reach,

particularly into the New York area, aiming to support even more

veterans and their families.
Hear inspiring success stories of

veterans like Will Met, a Marine Corps veteran who launched a thriving

business in Illinois, and Braxton Parker, a Navy veteran who started a

successful hail repair business in Texas. Learn how Ding King's programs

not only teach valuable skills but also foster personal growth,

entrepreneurship, and long-term career development.
Don't miss

this powerful and motivational conversation about transforming lives

through skilled trades and veteran entrepreneurship!
📍 Learn more about the Ding King Training Institute: https://thedingking.com/

📅 Follow VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #VeteranSupport #AutomotiveCareers #CareerTraining

#VeteranSupport #DingKing #VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitaryTransition

#SkilledTrades #AutomotiveTraining #VeteranSuccessStories

#PaintlessDentRepair #VeteranOwnedBusiness

Cassant sit down with Bill Kieffer, an Army veteran with over 23 years

of professional HR experience and the President of Kieffer &

Associates Limited. Bill shares his deep knowledge and personal

experiences navigating the complex path from military service to a

successful civilian career.
Bill introduces his latest book,

Veteran Career Journey: More Insights from the Employer Side of the

Desk, a follow-up to his first book, designed to provide veterans with

practical tools and strategies for not only transitioning but also

thriving in the civilian workforce. Drawing from his extensive HR

background, Bill sheds light on what employers are looking for and how

veterans can align their military skills with civilian business needs.
But

Bill’s commitment doesn’t stop at writing. He also discusses the launch

of the Veteran Career Journey nonprofit, a mission-driven organization

dedicated to bridging the gap between veterans and employers. The

nonprofit aims to reduce veteran suicide by offering critical transition

support, training, and resources. With a goal to raise $120,000 in its

first year, this initiative is focused on making a real difference in

the lives of transitioning service members and their families.
🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
-

Bill’s Personal Transition Story: The challenges he faced, the lessons

learned, and how those experiences shaped his mission to help other

veterans.
- Employer Expectations: How understanding the “employer

side of the desk” can give veterans a competitive edge in the civilian

job market.
- Practical Transition Strategies: Actionable advice from

Bill’s books on networking, integrating into civilian business

cultures, and overcoming common transition obstacles.
- Veteran

Career Journey Nonprofit: How this organization is filling critical gaps

in veteran support and the tangible ways it’s working to prevent

veteran suicide.
- Training Programs: Details about the nonprofit’s

in-person and online classes designed to empower veterans and their

families for long-term success.

📚 Bill Kieffer’s Books:
- Veteran Career Journey: 151 Insights to

Help You Transition from Military to Civilian – A hip-pocket guide

packed with quick, actionable insights.

- Military Career Transition: Insights from the Employer Side of the

Desk - An invaluable collection of over 150 insights, observations,

recurring topics of discussion, and points of concern, gathered from

numerous conversations, engagements, and interactions with transitioning

service members, veterans, employers and many others.
- Veteran

Career Journey: More Insights from the Employer Side of the Desk –

Focuses on the post-transition phase, helping veterans integrate and

thrive in civilian roles with over 60 real-life stories and a business

operations framework.

🚀 Get Involved & Make an Impact:
Donate to the Veteran Career Journey nonprofit and help fund programs that support veteran transitions
Purchase

Bill’s Books on Amazon and equip yourself or a veteran you know with

essential tools for success →

https://www.amazon.com/Veteran-Career-Journey-Insights-Employer/dp/1737371421/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3LmgX0SajnSHVQZCAYwlujya9ilbkAgI8NO0P480zq4.RS5guQkYz5KZtvYCWi9Q3xPRxQmiCERgnlVdvBQqnb0&qid=1712509883&sr=1-1
Connect with Bill Kieffer on LinkedIn to learn more and get involved → [Insert LinkedIn Link]

Learn more about Bill Kieffer's work → https://kieffer-associates.com/
Thank you for tuning in to VET S.O.S.—where we help veterans survive, overcome, and succeed!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #VeteranSupport #MilitaryToCivilian #EndVeteranSuicide

#CareerTransition #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VetSOS

#BillKieffer #VeteranCareerJourney #MentalHealthAwareness

#VeteranNonprofit #VeteranResources #TransitionSuccess

Executive Director of Kentucky Valor! Molly shares how Kentucky Valor,

an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, is

breaking down barriers for veterans and their families by providing

accelerated occupational licensure pathways and career opportunities in

Kentucky.
In this episode, Molly dives deep into the program's 44

accelerated pathways across 55 categories, covering over 180 military

occupations in high-demand fields such as healthcare, education, and

skilled trades. She highlights the success of the Valor pilot program,

which has streamlined the transition process for veterans by recognizing

their military training and experience for civilian licensure. Molly

also discusses Kentucky Valor's ambitious expansion plans, including

potential overseas initiatives to support service members stationed

abroad and the development of a cutting-edge custom portal that will

allow veterans and military spouses to independently search for job

opportunities and licensure pathways.
Discover how Kentucky Valor

supports veterans and military spouses with personalized career

guidance, advocacy, and licensure support, helping them transition

smoothly into fulfilling civilian careers. Learn about the dedicated

team behind the mission—including Shannon Broadbeck (Case Manager) and

Nikki Stewart (Workforce Development Manager)—and current opportunities

to join their growing efforts as they search for a passionate

Recruitment Specialist.
Action Items:
- Visit https://kyvalor.com/ to explore licensure pathways and career opportunities tailored for veterans and military families.
- Follow Kentucky Valor on social media for real-time updates on new initiatives, partnerships, and expansion efforts.
- Stay tuned for the launch of Kentucky Valor's innovative custom portal for self-guided job searches and licensure exploration.
Don't miss this impactful conversation filled with insights and resources designed to empower veterans and their families!
Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories and valuable resources for veterans and their families.

#vetsos #vetsospodcast #KentuckyValor #VeteranCareers

#MilitaryTransition #OccupationalLicensure #VeteranSupport

#CareerPathways #VeteranResources #MilitarySpouseSupport

#CareerDevelopment

Cassant welcome Nila Thompson, Chief of Staff at Talent Ascend. Nila

shares her powerful and deeply personal journey as a military spouse

navigating her husband Bruce's transition out of the military. She

candidly discusses the emotional and practical challenges they faced,

highlighting the importance of honest communication, proactive

decision-making, and strategic financial planning—including how they

successfully became debt-free before retirement. Nila also reflects on

the challenges military children face when aging out of military

benefits and passionately advocates for more comprehensive support and

resources for these young individuals.
Nila introduces Talent

Ascend's groundbreaking skills-based hiring platform, designed to bridge

the gap between job seekers and employers by connecting candidates

directly with hiring managers—eliminating the traditional resume

barrier. She elaborates on how the platform empowers individuals to

showcase their skills and experiences, creating opportunities for

meaningful employment.
Additionally, Nila highlights Talent

Ascend's impactful nonprofit divisions—Veterans Ascend, Ability Ascend,

and Mission to Ascend. Each division is dedicated to uplifting

underserved communities, including veterans, individuals with

disabilities, and previously incarcerated individuals, by providing them

with the tools and support needed to achieve career success.
Discover

how Talent Ascend is revolutionizing career development and how Nila's

advocacy is driving change for military families and underserved

communities alike. This episode is packed with actionable advice,

heartfelt stories, and empowering insights for anyone navigating

transition or seeking to support those who are.
✅ Connect with Nila Thompson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilathompson/
📚 Learn more about Talent Ascend: https://talentsascend.com/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories and valuable resources!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #FinancialFreedom #CareerGrowth #EmpowerUnderserved

#MilitarySpouseStrong #VeteranEmployment #MilitaryTransition

#VeteransSupport #TalentAscend #FinancialPlanning #MilitaryFamilies

#Empowerment #CareerDevelopment #MilitarySpouseSupport

#SkillsBasedHiring

Eric sit down with Kristen Christy, co-creator of the 988 Suicide and

Crisis Lifeline and America's resilience trainer. Kristen courageously

shares her deeply personal journey growing up in a dedicated Air Force

family, navigating the challenges of military life, and overcoming the

tragic loss of her husband to suicide in 2008. This life-altering

experience ignited Kristen's passion for mental health advocacy and

suicide prevention.
Kristen offers a behind-the-scenes look into

the creation and launch of the 988 Lifeline, a critical resource that

went national in July 2022. Designed to provide accessible mental health

support, the lifeline experienced a remarkable 35% increase in calls

and a staggering 1,000% surge in text messages within its first year.

Kristen discusses the importance of culturally competent care,

especially for veterans and military families, and how the "Ask, Care,

Escort" approach can be a life-saving intervention.
Additionally,

Kristen introduces the National Veterans Vocational Village Foundation,

which she co-founded in 2019. This innovative nonprofit organization is

dedicated to building a supportive village in Colorado Springs that

offers comprehensive vocational training and fosters a strong sense of

community for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Kristen also

shares the significance of the foundation's helicopter, tail number

39880, as a symbol of resilience and hope.
Throughout the

episode, Kristen provides actionable insights on how resilience can be

cultivated, the power of community support, and the vital need to openly

discuss mental health and suicide prevention.
✨ Key Topics:
- Kristen's personal journey growing up in a military family and overcoming adversity
- Coping with the loss of her husband and becoming a Master Resilience Trainer
- The inspiration, development, and nationwide impact of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- The mission and growth of the National Veterans Vocational Village Foundation
- Implementing the "Ask, Care, Escort" strategy for suicide prevention
- How to support veterans through vocational training and community involvement
👉 Connect with Kristen Christy:

Website: https://www.kristenchristycares.com

Call: 620-304-HOPE (4673)
📊 Action Items:
- Share and promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to raise awareness.
- Volunteer or contribute to the National Veterans Vocational Village Foundation.
- Reach out to Kristen Christy for support, resources, and collaboration opportunities.
🎥 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and resources from VET S.O.S.!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #EndTheStigma #VeteranMentalHealth

#MentalHealthAwareness #988Lifeline #VeteranSupport #Resilience

#KristenChristy #SuicidePrevention #MilitaryFamily #CommunitySupport

with Denise Lewis, the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and

Accessibility for Corporate America. Denise shares her personal journey

and shines a spotlight on the life-changing work of Vet Jobs and

Military Spouse Jobs—two leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to

helping veterans, military spouses, and military-affiliated individuals

successfully transition into meaningful careers.
Denise discusses

how these organizations provide no-cost employment readiness, career

counseling, and job placement services, connecting candidates with a

network of over 3,000 employer recruiters. Backed by funders like the

Call of Duty Endowment, these programs offer comprehensive support

through personalized career assessments, upskilling opportunities, and

training platforms designed to empower military families.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ The origins and mission of Vet Jobs and Military Spouse Jobs, founded by Admiral and Mrs. Kleppel
✔️

How the organizations provide tailored services to veterans, military

spouses, and underserved groups like survivors of suicide and divorced

military spouses
✔️ Strategies to combat ageism in hiring and how to support military spouses navigating career transitions
✔️

Why employers should hire military-affiliated talent and how

partnerships with Vet Jobs and Military Spouse Jobs create diverse,

reliable workforces
✔️ Details on the upcoming Employer Guard and

Reserve Summit in Washington, DC—a must-attend event for employers

supporting the military community
✔️ The economic impact of hiring older workers and how it benefits organizations in today’s workforce
📅 Action Steps to Get Involved:
🔗 Register for the Employer Guard and Reserve Summit: www.employguardreserve.com
🔗 Connect with Denise Lewis on LinkedIn to explore partnerships or funding opportunities for military spouse programs
🔗 Check out both programs at: https://vetjobs.org/ & https://militaryspousejobs.org/

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have thoughts or questions about

veteran employment and military spouse support? Drop a comment below and

let us know how you're making a difference!
🔔 Don’t forget to

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated on more

inspiring stories and actionable resources from VET S.O.S.!

#vetsos #vetsospodcast #DiversityAndInclusion #HireMilitary

#EmploymentOpportunities #VeteranEmployment #MilitarySpouseJobs #VetJobs

#MilitaryTransition #CareerSupport #MilitaryFamilies

#DiversityInWorkforce #VeteranSuccess #EmploymentResources

#VeteranSupport #MilitaryCommunity

CEO of Recon Network. Jordana shares her inspiring journey from a

successful marketing career to becoming CEO of Recon Network, driven by

her passion for supporting veterans and their families. She explains

how her grandfather's experience as an Iwo Jima Marine influenced her

understanding of veterans' unique challenges and motivated her to

address the often-overlooked emotional and psychological aspects of

military transition.
Recon Network is revolutionizing veteran

support by offering personalized transition coaching with certified

career and life coaches, fostering community through supportive cohort

groups, and hosting impactful events like the Vet Summit. Jordana

emphasizes the importance of addressing the full hierarchy of needs—from

securing basic necessities to finding purpose and fulfillment in

civilian life.
Gain exclusive insights into the upcoming Vet

Summit on September 12-13 in upstate South Carolina, featuring dynamic

speakers, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and a special

1940s-style fundraiser designed to bring the veteran community together.

This hybrid event offers both in-person and virtual options, making it

accessible to veterans nationwide.
Jordana also discusses

actionable strategies for veterans to rediscover their purpose, manage

emotional challenges, and align their careers with their values. Whether

you're a veteran, military spouse, or supporter of the veteran

community, this episode offers valuable resources and inspiration for

navigating life's transitions.
Action Items:
📍 Attend the Vet Summit event on September 12-13 in upstate South Carolina.
👤 Connect with Recon Network on LinkedIn for weekly updates and resources.
📅 Schedule a transition check-in via Recon Network's website.
Connect with Recon Network:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recon-network/posts/?feedView=all
Website: https://recon.vet/
Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories and valuable resources!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranResources #LifeAfterService

#VeteranTransition #ReconNetwork #VetSummit #MilitaryTransition

#VeteranSupport #JordanaMegonigal

U.S. Army veteran with over 25 years of distinguished service, now

serving as Tennessee's first Director of Military and Veterans

Initiatives. Chris opens up about his personal journey transitioning out

of the military and the challenges service members face when reentering

civilian life.
Chris co-founded Grid Square Recon LLC, a

groundbreaking initiative dedicated to bridging the gap between military

families and their local communities. Recognizing the frequent

relocations and isolation that military families experience, Grid Square

Recon provides up-to-date, location-specific resources that connect

families to local services, small businesses, and job opportunities.

This platform is designed to create a true sense of belonging and

community integration for military families stationed at new

installations.
Chris also introduces the inspiring work of the

Two Ravens Foundation, an organization offering equine therapy for

veterans and their families. This unique therapy program emphasizes

emotional healing, stress relief, and overall mental wellness, providing

critical support for those adjusting to post-military life.
Throughout

the episode, Chris, Shawn, and Eric dive into strategies for leveraging

networks, the importance of relationship-building, and how initiatives

like Grid Square Recon and the Two Ravens Foundation are transforming

the way veterans and military families access resources and support.
🔗 Connect with Chris Lancia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lancia/
🌐 Learn More About Grid Square Recon: https://www.gridsquarerecon.com/home
🌿 Explore the Two Ravens Foundation: https://www.tworavensfoundation.org/
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Transition Tips: Why building a network and seeking help early can ease the transition from military to civilian life.
-

Community Connection: How Grid Square Recon connects military families

with local resources, small businesses, and job opportunities to create

stronger community ties.
- Alternative Healing: The role of equine

therapy in supporting veterans' mental health and emotional well-being

through the Two Ravens Foundation.
- Actionable Insights: How

veterans, spouses, and small businesses can engage with and contribute

to these impactful initiatives.

📌 Action Steps for Listeners:
✔️ Connect with Chris Lancia on LinkedIn to expand your network and learn more about his work.
✔️ Explore how Grid Square Recon can help military families integrate into local communities.
✔️ Invite Reed Knutson from the Two Ravens Foundation for a deeper dive into equine therapy and veteran support.
✔️ Share this episode to help other veterans and military families discover these valuable resources.
🔔 Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories, practical advice, and critical resources for veterans and their families.

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share this episode to support the mission!
#vetsos

#vetsospodcast #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #MilitaryFamilies

#MentalHealthAwareness #ChrisLancia #GridSquareRecon

#MilitaryFamilySupport #VeteranTransition #EquineTherapy

#TwoRavensFoundation #VeteranResources #MilitarySpouses

#CommunityIntegration

this insightful continuation, Hope White, an entrepreneur and leading

expert in the federal hiring process, returns to VET S.O.S. to dive

deeper into how veterans can successfully transition into stable,

long-term federal careers. With firsthand experience navigating the

federal employment system, Hope shares proven strategies for standing

out in a competitive job market.
Drawing from her own military

service starting in 1992 and her professional journey into human

resources, Hope understands the unique challenges veterans face. She

emphasizes the critical need for self-reliance, teaching veterans how to

write powerful, targeted resumes and understand the complex federal

hiring system. Hope believes success comes to those who are intentional,

disciplined, and proactive in their job search.
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why federal jobs are the most stable and promising option for veterans.
✅ The biggest mistakes veterans make when applying for federal roles—and how to avoid them.
✅ How to write your OWN federal resume to stand out and secure interviews.
✅ The importance of understanding federal job classifications and hiring timelines.
✅ How mindset, intentionality, and faith are essential to career success.
✅ Real-life stories of veterans who succeeded by following Hope’s guidance.
💡 Hope's No-Nonsense Advice:
- Stop relying on others to write your resume—learn the system and do it yourself.
- Be intentional and proactive in your job search.
- Understand the hiring process to aim for higher-level, better-paying positions.
- Embrace discipline and learning—the federal system rewards those who put in the effort.

📌 Action Items from This Episode:
- Follow up with Hope on the Alfredo’s Coffee House project.

- Connect with Hope here: https://www.facebook.com/HopefulSpeakingConsulting/

🎯 Whether you're just beginning your transition or have struggled to

land a federal job, this episode is packed with practical steps to help

you succeed. Don’t miss this empowering conversation designed to help

veterans take control of their careers and secure the stability they

deserve.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights, veteran success stories, and actionable strategies for navigating life after service.
👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 📢 Share with a fellow veteran!

#vetsos #vetsospodcast #FederalJobs #FederalHiring #MilitaryToCivilian

#JobSearchTips #HopeWhite #FederalJobs #VeteranCareers

#MilitaryTransition #FederalHiringProcess #VeteranSupport #CareerSuccess

#SelfReliance